Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, speaking at a meeting of SCO defense ministers, said that slowing down the pace of the offensive within the framework of a special operation in Ukraine was a conscious decision, aimed at minimizing the number of civilian casualties.
Shoigu stressed that during the special operation Russia strictly observes the norms of humanitarian law and does everything to prevent casualties among civilians. "Of course, this slows down the pace of the offensive, but we are doing it consciously," said the head of the Russian Defense Ministry.
He also said that Russia helps to restore infrastructure and life support systems at the liberated territories.
At the same time, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry drew attention to the fact that the Ukrainian militants use the scorched earth tactics and grossly violate international norms. For example, they use residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, and hospitals as firing positions, and cover the population as a human shield. Shoigu added that the Ukrainian armed forces also deliberately shell populated areas in order to inflict as much damage as possible on civilians and infrastructure.
The head of the ministry once again stressed that Western countries' supplies of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine only prolong the conflict and increase the number of casualties.













